Tough view for some at Uni

Irvine Unified School District budgeted $8.4 million to build a top-notch stadium at University High to be used for football and other sports events.

Players and coaches are elated, and so are fans.

The playing surface is top-notch, the fans get a very good view of the field, and there even appears to be an adequate amount of parking.

There's just one flaw in the facility: the press box.

Now, we realize sportswriters, public address announcers, statisticians and coaches may not be at the top of the priority list when it comes to planning a stadium.

But some well-intentioned designers goofed on this one.

Whoever they may be decided to have tint on the windows, which probably helps during the day, but football games are played at night. The tint on the windows reduces visibility from the press box.

The windows don't open all the way. There are two openings, and both have screens on them, which further obstruct visibility, along with the sizeable posts inside the box. There was talk that they may take the screens off.

They also failed to construct the press box high enough, so fans who stand at the top of the facility often block the view of those in the press box. Those who film games also obstruct the view. The word is out that the top row is the best place to film.

As a solution, they've tried turning off the lights in the press box and bringing in table lamps to cut down on the glare.

It's probably too late to correct things for this year. Best solution is to replace the windows with non-tinted windows you can actually open and to politely ask fans to keep the area clear so that people inside can do their jobs.

In all fairness we should report there are two pluses: It has an elevator and a nice carpet.

If the designers do decide to make changes, they may want to check out the Irvine Stadium press box first.

The Uni press box will make you appreciate that one.

Such a deal

The concession stand at Woodbridge water polo matches offers reasonable prices. One of the best bets is a big bag of microwave popcorn for $1.

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